Tag Archive | Suzanne Woods Fisher

Capture The Moment by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Sep23

Beauty In Nature

Capture The Moment by Suzanne Woods Fisher is a powerful Christian contemporary novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is the first book in the National Parks Summers series which promises to be fabulous.

The novel, as the series suggests, is set in a National Park. Along with the characters, we get back to nature. There is so much beauty in the natural, and the animals roam freely. It is here, where we can commune with God. “This place… I am so overwhelmed… with gratitude to God for creating such a place. For giving me the gift of experiencing it.” There is so much beauty in the world that God has created.

A debate is sparked, where do we meet God? “Church doesn’t have to be a building. It can be wherever you find meaning.”

The church is also the people. Wherever we connect with others, there is always the opportunity to be the church.

When we know God, we can rest securely and trust His plans and His timing. We are called to live out the life that God has uniquely created for us. “Good intensions weren’t enough. You have to turn them into reality.” Whenever God puts a dream in our hearts, we need to grab it. We may try and fail along the way but it is in the trying and failing that we learn.

Characters have been hurt. This hurt either drives them towards God or propels them away. We learn about the dangers of anger. “Holding on to anger… It’s like a poison… Forgiveness is the antidote.” When we forgive, we can live in freedom. If we cling to hurt and anger, we risk becoming bitter. “He didn’t have to hang on to that hurt… anger was toxic.”

God wants us to live in freedom. “I told God everything that made me so mad at Him… I didn’t feel anger in return… I felt this overwhelming sense of love.” God is love. He takes our hurt and anger, and He exchanges them at the cross, for love.

Prayer is important. “Kate had no idea what to do next. Except… to pray.” Prayer unites us with God, who knows just what we need in any and every situation.

We are all unique. We are called to be ourselves and not someone else. The only person we should imitate is Jesus. “A tulip doesn’t struggle to be different from a rose.” We are all called to live out the life that God has created for us.

God’s creation is awe-inspiring. Whilst being immersed in nature, we learn a lot about the animals in the park, especially the bears who are the focus of the novel.

All the characters were well drawn and believable. It is beautiful to witness the enthusiasm and interactions of thirteen-year-old Maisie. There were traits in her that I recognised from my thirteen-year-old self. Her zest for life was infectious.

I have thoroughly enjoyed Capture The Moment and I cannot wait for the subsequent books in this marvellous series.

I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON

A Year Of Flowers by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Mar28

Better Together

A Year Of Flowers by Suzanne Woods Fisher is the most beautiful Christian contemporary offering of four stories in one book.

Each story is intertwined as they build towards the final story showing how the three lead characters are better together. The reader is reminded that a cord of three strands is not easily broken.

Flowers take centre stage. Different flowers mean different things. “Flowers touched a person’s life.” We see that flowers need just the right conditions to bud and to flourish. Likewise, we too, need the right conditions in order to flourish. We need God. We need “to get to a point where you realise life isn’t working out very well on your own. To know you need Christ.” When we reach rock bottom, we find the Rock who is Jesus is right there with us.

“I got to a point when I had no-where else to go… when I realized my own indescribable need for a Lord & Savior… My whole purpose in life has changed.” This really ‘speaks’ to the reader as we can ‘feel’ the characters desperate need for Jesus and the security of knowing Him.

We all have dreams. “She found the life she’d been chasing after, only to discover it wasn’t what she’d dreamed it would be.” Sometimes our dreams feel more like nightmares as we realise we have been focused on the wrong things. “Chasing all the wrong things… it was time to get herself back to church.” There are times in our life when we realise that something is missing, and that something is a person and His Name is Jesus. Being with other believers in church helps to build up our faith, and we, in turn, can help to build up the faith of others.

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Love On A Whim by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Jul7

Everyday Miracles

Love On A Whim by Suzanne Woods Fisher is the most charming contemporary Christian novel that I absolutely adored. It is the third book in the Cape Cod Creamery series but can be read as a stand-alone. I, however, recommend reading the previous books first for maximum enjoyment and for character progression as the characters run throughout the books, in a timeline capacity. Each book focuses on a different main character.

We see the importance of forgiveness. If we withhold it, we will become bitter not better. Forgiveness brings freedom as we give it, or receive it. “I’ve seen forgiveness produce miracles.” God’s love works on hearts, making the miraculous possible. What is impossible for us, is possible for God.

Being able to say sorry and to mean it, is how healthy relationships grow. I loved the thought that “apologies don’t have an expiration date.” While we still have breath, there is always time to apologise.

Our upbringings shape the adults we become. Sometimes we fear turning out just like our parents. We need to have a heart of flesh that is aware of the character traits coming down the generations.

A son does not want to model himself on his father who was always absent due to work. However, the son did not see the effect of growing up in poverty had on his father. His father is motivated by the need to provide for his family. There does need to be a healthy work/life balance.

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The Secret To Happiness by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Apr8

3 Legs On The Stool

The Secret To Happiness by Suzanne Woods Fisher is the most charming contemporary Christian novel that I read mainly in one sitting. I paused only to sleep. It is the second book in the Cape Cod Creamery series and can be read as a stand-alone. However, I recommend reading the books in order, so that you see character progression and development, as well as maximum enjoyment.

Cape Cod and family are the place to go when life gets tough. Family and the community offer love and care. It is surprising to witness healing coming in the form of six year old cowboy Leo. His warm, sunny nature and his openness, help souls heal. One cannot help but smile when he is around.

The story, once more, centres around the ice cream parlour. Now it is winter and the tourists are gone, it has to adapt and change. Likewise, we need to be adaptable as we start new chapters in life.

We all need lives that have purpose. “She’d hit her goal… there’d always been a vague feeling of emptiness… Is this all there is?” We need to make sure that are lives are centred on what gives meaning. So much in life is just chasing the wind. We need to find our purpose. Knowing God makes our lives meaningful. “Do you talk to God?” God longs to hear from us. Prayer is simply conversations with God. We need to listen as well as talk.

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